How do I get more rain in my barrel?

**veggiechicken** · 26-03-2016, 09:16 PM

Is there a downpipe that runs into the barrel?

**Potstubsdustbins** · 26-03-2016, 09:21 PM

A pic of the set up would help.

**lolie** · 26-03-2016, 11:16 PM

Yeah, a pic would be helpful.

You might be able to divert some of the run-off from out the front. You might be able to use a rain chain like set up out the back to capture more water.

Your real issues is how you can capture more water out the back and/or divert water from the front to the back.

**Bigmallly** · 26-03-2016, 11:34 PM

If possible, locate the butt to the rear of the greenhouse, block both ends of the gutter at the door end. Link both gutters from the rear into the same barrel. Thereby maximizing your harvest.

**4390evans** · 27-03-2016, 06:26 AM

There is no down pipe no, Ill get a pic soon

**Bigmallly** · 27-03-2016, 07:00 AM

A picture paints a thousand words:

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ml#post1288311

**4390evans** · 27-03-2016, 11:10 AM

[This is the side of the greenhouse, its literally just a bit guttering capped off at one end led to the barrel.
ATTACH=CONFIG]62815[/ATTACH]

But this pipe flows from the top of the house to the floor, Ive never actually seen any water come out but it must as the paving below is always covered in alge or something, do you think I could use this?

Attached Files

**veggiechicken** · 27-03-2016, 11:48 AM

The GH gutter looks to be sloping away from the waterbutt - or is it my eyes? Pour water into the guttering and see which way it runs.
If you want to catch more water you need a full length gutter and a downpipe into the butt.

**Alison** · 27-03-2016, 12:08 PM

I have a relatively similar arrangement on my 6' greenhouse but there is a down section from the end into the barrel and it fills well. You need to see where the water goes either by standing out in the rain or by taking a watering an out there. It either flows the wrong way (in which case you need the butt at the other end) or simply overshoots the butt. Either way you need to work out the problem before anybody can solve.

**4390evans** · 27-03-2016, 12:37 PM

It slopes towards the butt, but as you say I think it must shoot off. Ill get one of those down pipes see how it goes

**mothhawk** · 27-03-2016, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by 4390evans View Post

ATTACH=CONFIG]62815[/ATTACH]

But this pipe flows from the top of the house to the floor, I've never actually seen any water come out but it must as the paving below is always covered in algae or something, do you think I could use this?

Yes you can use the house downpipe by fitting a rain diverter.

It means cutting the drainpipe though, so if you're renting you need to get permission from the landlord.

**Potstubsdustbins** · 27-03-2016, 03:27 PM

I agree with VC the GH gutter is falling the wrong way, unless the GH is not level, snot a problem and can easily be sorted.

It looks like standard size gutter so B&Q, Wickes will do what you need, if your struggling for transport you could order from Screwfix who will deliver to your door.

Personally for what it costs I would buy a new 3mtr length of gutter �5-50p. Then you would need 1 external stop end �1-50p, 1 stop end outlet 3-50p and 4 fascia brackets �0-80p each. That completes the run of gutter.

1 2.5mtr down pipe �4-50p, a couple of bends at �2-80 each and 1 socket at �1-50p to connect to the stop end outlet. Couple of man hours and the job would be done.

All prices are approximate and plus VAT but it will give you an idea of the cost involved.

As to cutting into the rain water pipe from the house roof, yes it would give a plentiful supply, obviously far more than the GH but if I were you I would get permission from your landlord (if you have one) in writing before proceeding. That pipe doesn't just serve your home but others too and if and when you leave it will need to be made whole again.

**4390evans** · 27-03-2016, 07:36 PM

Rain pipe diverter looks fab!
Thanks guys

**roitelet** · 27-03-2016, 07:41 PM

If you go for the down pipe option make sure you can get rid of the overflow from the butt. I have a 500ltr butt which feeds two 100ltr butts, fed from a down pipe from about a 15m long roof and in the winter I have to leave the tap draining into a hose so I can get rid of the excess water

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